At the first Thanksgiving there were 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans who feasted for three days. Yet when you look at the First Thanksgiving history, art shows mostly pilgrims outfitted in clothing that they probably didn’t wear and a small amount of Native Americans. The depicted scenes irk me as it’s all about the pilgrims and totally skewed — or perhaps screwed which is where the pilgrims would have been without help from Native Americans. The new colonists were suffering illness and malnutrition, and most likely would not have survived had it not been for Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto helped forge an alliance between the settlers and the Wampanoag tribe. So this is a bit different for a Thanksgiving post, but hey what can I say other than be thankful and hope you enjoy the very beautifully and brightly-colored pow wows. Happy Thanksgiving! [50 Fantastic Photos]

According to PowWows, “There are several different stories of how the powwow was started. Some believe that the War dance Societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains Tribes were the origin of the powwow. Another belief is that when the Native American tribes were forced onto reservations the government also forced them to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance they were lead through the town in a parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.” The photos above are from a National Pow Wow.National Museum of the American Indian Photo #4 by Walter Larrimore & #5 by Katherine Fogden

‘Mickey Never Looked So Good.’ The photographer explained, “Every year since 2000, the Des Moines area hosts the ‘White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow’. It’s held in memory of Ralph Moisa (aka White Eagle), a young Native American who lost his life in 1995 while rescuing a Red Tail Hawk. The Pow Wow was held at Antique Acres near Waukee, Iowa.” Photo #10 by Jason Mrachina

A pow wow begins with a Grand Entry. Everyone stands as veterans carry flags into the arena. The flags carried may include the U.S. Flag, Tribal Flags, the POW Flag, and Eagle Staffs of various Native Nations present. After the veterans come the Tribal Chiefs, Princesses, Elders, pow wow organizers, men dancers, followed by the women dancers. National Museum of the American IndianPhoto #37 by Walter Larrimore

Your pictures are very fascinating. I’ve always been interested in Native American history, and try and gather as much as I can whenever I speak with one. I live in Michigan, which has a thriving Native American community. Very well done!

These pictures are great and I enjoyed them all. I have only been to one pow-wow but would love to go again soon. I love the costumes and the dancing especially. My grandma on my dad’s side was Indian.

Stunning photographs….I try to attend all of the POW WOW’s in my area. I have a great deal of respect, admiration and affinity for the native American culture. Looking forward to the Stone MOuntain POW WOW coming up this weekend…dreaming for pics like these.